Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to share a story about educators in my district literally going the extra mile to ensure their students' success. For the last few months, the Newton School District in Jasper County has reported a shortage of bus drivers, leaving many parents and students uncertain about how they would be able to make it to school each morning. In a rural area, our bus transportation to school is extremely important. With the importance of education and safety in mind, Eric Vander Velden, a physical education teacher in the Newton School District, answered the call for help by driving a school bus when needed. This is part of a larger effort by the Newton staff, in concert with parents, to do whatever they can to help their students succeed. It is stories like these that remind us that our teachers are the backbone of this country, and I couldn't be more confident in our future, knowing that the next generation is in their capable hands. ____________________
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